Peggy Dover

Spring is just sliding its toe around the corner. To quote the Beach Boys, “I can hear music, sweet, sweet music.”

Our valley has erupted with talented singers and musicians, and many wineries have grabbed hold of the draw that live music provides. I look forward to longer spring evenings in their company.

This week, I did some sleuthing about which winery venues reign supreme when it comes to live music. Only instead of the listener’s perspective, I wanted to hear things from the musician’s angle. I asked a few local performers/bands to wade into the conversation. They were eager to contribute and will remain anonymous. These are not hobbyists, but professionals who take their calling seriously and love what they do.

I asked which venues ranked highest with regard to showing respect and not treating them like “sonic wallpaper,” as one respondent described it. Criteria included pay, wine, timely and reliable booking, location and comfort of performance space, and a general attitude of caring for their needs.

It should be noted that there are sometimes budget constraints. Not all wineries have deep pockets. That’s why they weren’t judged on pay alone. Some are on a learning curve when it comes to music set-up and sound.

I received a tidal wave of information. Obviously, it’s a subject that needed airing. As one interviewee aptly put it, “The D’s have it,” with one exception.

The No. 1 consistently named winery for performing in a quality space is (drum roll, please) Dos Mariposas Vineyards & Lavender Farm in Medford. Comments are as follows:

“This winery has a beautiful outdoor stage. The indoor stage is great too, and you can tell they spent a lot of time treating the room acoustics. The wait staff is really friendly and full of life and energy as well.”

Another musician went further. “Dos Mariposas is the model for all wineries in the area to look to as an example of how to design a winery music venue. It helps that Mark Deering is a musician and understands the struggle we face in setting up and performing in various spaces that are not designed for music performance.”

Another respondent added, “Mark on the owner team (who is also a musician) will run the sound system for musicians. I’ve never heard of another winery doing that, and it makes my life easier. Friendly staff, cheery tasting room, nice wines, great views, good compensation.”

Other wineries landing in the top spots were Del Rio Vineyards, Dunbar Farms and Winery, Daisy Creek Winery and Naumes Suncrest Winery. All received high marks from musicians.

Del Rio

“Looking out into the lawn reminds me of a mini Britt Festival, when people start venturing in with their chairs and friends. The wait staff is so generous and supportive and always ask if we need anything before, during and after the show.”

“Best winery stage in Southern Oregon! Great views, with a sweet, shady backyard. A friendly staff that takes good care of musicians. Better-than-good compensation. Nice wines. Good about booking early for the next season.”

Dunbar Farms

“Dunbar Farms feels special. The kitsch of the old hay wagon ‘stage’ is great — plus they’ve run power to the stage and put up shade sails and lights. Makes it much better for us. Great rural views, nice staff, fun low-key/low-stress energy here. Good about booking me early. Good compensation. Love seeing the wide age range of folks here.”

Daisy Creek

“They recognize and appreciate our efforts and ability to draw in an audience. One thing Gary at Daisy does at the start of the year is book musicians for the entire year. We appreciate having a schedule in advance that we can count on. I feel a loyalty to Daisy because they treat us with appreciation and respect.”

Naumes Suncrest

“The giant deck, which overlooks the captivating view of Southern Oregon, holds a great crowd of dancers and loyal listeners. The fun staff always treats us well with kindness and appreciation each time we play there.”

“I enjoy this one, both inside and out. The incredible improvements going in this winter should make a big deal for summer music — a large covered concrete stage on the lawn, more shady arbors and fire pit seating throughout the new landscaping, new stage-front lawn, etc. Can’t wait! Good compensation. They book a whole year in advance. Staff here treats me well overall, and I’m happy on Naumes gig days.”

So, there we have at least a sampling of favorites from the stage.